al_squad
patreon
Finest Servant Chapter 630
🕑 Added 2023-11-07 09:16:02 +0000 UTCChapter 630 The Bloodletting Westerner
He should have known he couldn't escape his father-in-law's grip. Now the situation was clear: Zheng'er was the old Emperor’s grandson, and his son too. He, as a father, found no way out. He laughed twice, a hint of resignation in his voice, "How can it be against the natural order of things? Is it really that serious? Zheng'er is my son; of course, I should help him! But to place such a heavy burden solely on my shoulders seems a bit too much, doesn't it?"
Qin Xian'er responded with a light chuckle, "Don't worry, the Emperor Father has already arranged everything. Xu Wei, Luo Min, Li Tai, the Imperial Teacher, and others will all assist Zheng'er with all their might. Plus, with you and my sister's help, we will surely teach Zhao Zheng to be skilled in both literature and martial arts."
Those in charge of finances, personnel, and the military, each had an intricate and inseparable connection with Lin San. This was the foundation for a stable regime. The old man had planned everything meticulously, which earned Lin Wanrong's reluctant admiration.
He nodded solemnly, "Good, good, with so many people, I won't be afraid!"
Miss Qin gave it some thought and saw through his intentions in a flash, teasing him with a smile, "What's this about needing many people? You just want to use this opportunity to shirk your responsibilities and escape, don't you?"
"How could that be," he replied hastily with a laugh, pulling Qin Xian'er into his embrace and whispering temptingly into her ear, "My sweet Xian'er, don't you want to have sons? Tonight, with the moon shrouded and the winds high, is the perfect time for conception. What are we waiting for?"
"My husband, I want to have twins too!"
"Eh— that's, well, let's discuss this later—oh, Xian'er, you really are hardworking, stripping my clothes off already!"
In one night, the Lin family was blessed with two young masters. The elder, Zhao Zheng, was even decreed by the Emperor himself to be the imperial grandchild of the Great Hua Empire. The implication was clear to everyone. The event caused a sensation; congratulatory visitors nearly broke down the Lin family's doors. The celebratory banquet lasted seven days and nights.
Fortunately, Qiaoqiao was originally a tavern owner; her food was heavenly and delicious. She worked tirelessly, day and night, ensuring everything was well catered for. General Lin had been worried about the cost, but when Ning'er, the accountant, presented him with the ledger of congratulatory gifts, his eyes widened in joy. He hugged Miss Luo tightly and kissed her fervently, "My dear Ning'er, have sons, have sons quickly. With this, we could make a fortune!"
Three days later, Li Tai's army returned to the capital. The Emperor opened the Victory Gate and personally went out ten miles from the city to welcome them. The soldiers returning from the northern campaign were in high spirits. Upon hearing of the Lin family's great joy, they were thrilled, each one eager to enter the doors to congratulate General Lin. The reunion of these brothers in arms was boisterous, draining the Lin family's wine cellar completely!
The wedding feast finally wound down after several days. Lin Wanrong, exhausted from the daily hustle, took the opportunity to relax in the garden, sipping tea, playing with the children, and engaging in a spirited discussion with the ladies about the prospect of having sons and daughters.
"Big Brother, is it really up to the man to determine the gender of a child?" Qiaoqiao asked in a low, shy voice, her query tentative and careful.
Elated and beaming, Big Brother wrapped his arms around the younger twin with a vigorous shake, and took the opportunity to peck at the rosy cheek of Qiaoqiao. “Of course,” he proclaimed. “When have I ever deceived you? The prerogative of having sons or daughters lies entirely in the hands of men! However, let me clarify one thing—I hold no preference for either gender. I would be just as pleased with a daughter as I would with a son. So go forth without worry and have children boldly!”
Miss Luo laughed heartily, her captivating gaze softly settling upon him, as if dew could drip from her eyes. Recalling the fervor of the maiden from the previous night, who had daringly leaped into his own bathing tub, a ripple of excitement went through Lin Wanrong's heart. With a roguish smile, he teased, “Ning'er, what kind of child would you like to have? You may choose any assisting posture you wish!”
Blinking her eyes demurely, Luo Ning replied with a shy voice, “Whether it's a boy or girl, it's all up to you. I’m no match for you—whatever Big Brother desires, that shall be done, no?”
The ladies in the garden, seasoned in such matters, felt their cheeks warm at the conversation, their laughter a soft titter. It was the Eldest Miss who couldn't help herself, blushing deeply as she twisted her arm around his with force, “Such coarse talk is not allowed!”
Among those present, only the two Miss Xiaos had not yet been wed, naturally more reserved. Lin Wanrong chuckled and, taking Yuruo's hand, he inquired, “Eldest Miss, have you given any thought to that latest style of dress I mentioned a few days ago?”
Xiao Yuruo nodded, pulling a thin piece of silk from her bosom and handing it to him, “Take a look. Is it something like this?”
Lin Wanrong glanced over the paper, which detailed a long gown in immaculate white, exquisitely captured. That day, with only a few simple words and a rough sketch, the Eldest Miss had, tracing that thread, depicted the design in marvelous detail—an exceptional feat of skill.
“What do you think, is it not right?” Seeing his prolonged silence, Xiao Yuruo grew anxious and asked softly.
He shook his head with a smile, “It’s not that it’s incorrect, it’s perfectly so, Eldest Miss. I must praise you, you truly have a gift!”
His flattery was as refined as it was effusive. The Eldest Miss blushed with pleasure, secretly squeezing his hand and tenderly stroking the palm, sending shivers down Lin San's spine.
“However, there is just one slight imperfection,” he whispered into her lustrous earlobe, speaking leisurely.
Xiao Yuruo tensed up, “Where? Where is the flaw?”
With a sly grin, he gestured at the chest of the gown, “Here, the neckline must plunge lower—yes, the lower, the better!”
Instantly, the Eldest Miss's face flushed with embarrassment, “How could that be proper? No woman would dare to wear such a thing if it were cut like that, you shameless rogue!”
“What’s there to fear? This garment is made especially for you, to be seen only by me, the shameless rogue,” Lin Wanrong breathed hotly in her ear, chuckling, “Didn’t you ask me what this dress is called?”
Trembling with emotion, Xiao Yuruo nodded weakly.
“This is called a wedding dress!” he declared suddenly, planting a kiss on her earlobe and chuckling, “So tell me, Eldest Miss, would you be willing to make it, to make it, or to make it?”
“I certainly will not!” Xiao Yuruo cried out, her face and ears burning red, timidly swinging her small fists at him. By the time her fists reached his chest, they carried no sound at all.
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, filled with a sense of pride. Xian’er, Luo Ning, and the others also hurried over, crowding around to take a glance at the pattern he presented. Upon seeing it, they were instantly overjoyed. Even the suggestion to lower the neckline further was met with winks and tacit approval, accompanied by a touch of secret delight. After all, the garment was to be worn solely for the gaze of that despicable ghost—to utterly enchant him!
Seeing his cunning laughter, the Eldest Miss's face flushed with embarrassment. After hesitating for what seemed an eternity, she finally mustered the courage to whisper, “As for this fabric, our textile shop can certainly weave it! Handwork won’t be a problem either—it will just take a bit longer! How many pieces do you need?”
How many pieces? He uttered a hesitant "Ah," twice, not daring to speak carelessly. This was a top-secret matter for the Lin family, not something that could be explained in a few words.
Observing his hesitant demeanor, Qin Xian'er scoffed, “How many he needs, he probably can’t even count himself! Sister Yuruo, just weave more of this fabric. It’s better to have too much than too little, and making more won’t be difficult! Who knows how many little ones he has raised among the Turks?”
Qiaoqiao and Yushuang, among others, giggled coyly. The storytellers in the tea houses had already spun tales of the Golden Blade Khan and Lin San that were so elaborate, they seemed to shower saliva in their fervor. The tea drinkers reveled in these stories, relishing versions that ranged from love struck down by an arrow to snow in June, and a beauty with hair turned white overnight. The number of versions circulating in the streets was easily twenty or thirty, each more miraculous than the last, narrating the profound relation between the two that could shake the heavens and move spirits to tears. Such elegantly scandalous tales did not diminish General Lin’s dignity; rather, they added to his admiration and envy, elevating his reputation to its peak.
With a mischievous smile, Ning'er teased, “Before Big Brother left, sister had warned him not to bring back a nomadic woman! And now, he has indeed kept his promise. However, he left his heart in the steppes—what a loss for us!”
Laughter and annoyance mingled among them, but truly, few were really angry. After several days of intimate embraces, the sight of the deep scars across his chest revealed the immense pain and poignant joys he must have endured with the Khan. Pity was their first response; how could they find it in their hearts to blame him?
Lin Wanrong laughed dryly, his expression awkward. Qingxuan had been in confinement for barely over ten days. With regard to the matter of Yujia, even with his thick skin, he found it embarrassing to bring it up to her.
“Wah, wah!” The younger twin, as if understanding his father's troubles, suddenly burst into loud cries, providing a timely distraction. Zhao Zheng, not to be outdone, joined in the wailing, causing the mothers to fall into disarray. As they held and soothed their children, they had no more intention of prying further.
The younger twin’s father was immediately moved to tears of gratitude: My son is truly considerate!
“Lin San, Lin San!” An anxious voice called from the doorway as a figure rushed in clumsily.
“Over here, over here!” Lin Wanrong beckoned with a smile. “Young Master, come over, we have osmanthus cake!”
Guo Wuchang hurried to him, shaking his head frantically, “No, I won't eat! Lin, Lin San, there’s a Westerner who wants to see you, he found his way to our shop!”
A Westerner looking for him?! Lin Wanrong was also startled: "Who is it? What's his name? Where is he?"
The young master bashfully responded, “He spoke in Western so quickly, I didn’t catch his name in the moment! But I’ve brought him here; he’s waiting outside the door!”
Not catching the name, the young master truly shares his style! Lin Wanrong thought with great amusement, and promptly gestured, “Quick, bring the foreigner—oh, no, the Western gentleman inside!”
As the Westerner entered the garden, his eyes immediately found Lin Wanrong, and he began to wave excitedly, “Hello, Mister Lin, hello!”
Xiao Yuruo felt a hint of recognition, frowning as she said, “This Westerner seems somewhat familiar!”
Lin Wanrong stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly leaped up, laughing heartily, “Tavernier, is it you?”
The foreigner nodded vigorously, rushing over, “It is me, it is me, Mister Lin! Long time no see, how have you been?”
Eldest Miss blinked in realization, a joy spreading across her face, “I remember now, this is the Frenchman we met in Hangzhou at the merchant conference, Tavernier, the diamond merchant!”
The sight of Tavernier brought a flood of past memories to her mind: the brawl in the tavern, the misty rain by the West Lake, the unbreakable red thread of fate. Eldest Miss felt a sudden surge of joy and couldn't help but steal a glance at Lin Wanrong, only to see the scoundrel smiling and winking at her, clearly sharing her thoughts.
Her heart warmed, Eldest Miss clenched his hand tightly, her eyes brimming with tears in her joyful anticipation.
“Hey, Tavernier, you’ve grown even more handsome in the past year, I almost didn’t recognize you, haha!” Lin Wanrong approached, speaking in his awkward English, and embraced the Frenchman warmly.
The last time Tavernier was seen, he was imprisoned by Tao Dongcheng, in a sorry state, and had to give Lin San several diamonds to escape with his life. Now he appeared noble and spirited, which was probably why neither Eldest Miss nor Lin San had recognized him at first.
Tavernier exclaimed with excitement, “Mister Lin, I have finally found you! I heard you’ve become an official of the state and fathered twin sons, congratulations!”
“Oh, it’s nothing special,” Lin Wanrong chuckled, “Tavernier, when did you arrive in the capital? Why didn’t you come to see me sooner?”
The Frenchman shook his head, “This time I brought four large ships from France, docking directly at Shandong port. I’ve been in the capital for several days. It’s just that no one could understand me! Fortunately, I remembered you worked at a cloth shop, and upon seeing your portrait at Xiao’s family old store in the capital, I finally found you!”
This old fellow must have made a fortune from his last trade of silk and tea leaves to return to this place with four large ships—his appetite had grown! Knowing that Lin San had become an official and was so eager to find him, he probably needed a favor. Lin Wanrong nodded with a sly smile, “Tavernier, thanks for your kind words! Please, have a seat!”
Tavernier didn’t sit down but instead looked around and suddenly widened his eyes, “Mister Lin, are these all your wives? My God, how beautiful! Tavernier extends his greetings to the ladies!”
He bent down, attempting to take Qiaoqiao’s hand to kiss the back of it. Qiaoqiao was startled, blushing and quickly hiding behind her Big Brother.
Lin Wanrong patted the young girl’s delicate shoulder, laughing, “Tavernier, our countries’ customs differ. Let’s dispense with such formalities! Otherwise, when I visit France, I might have to spend half the day embracing and kissing your wife!”
The Frenchman gave an embarrassed smile. His gaze fell upon Xiao Yuruo, and he wondered aloud, “Mister Lin, is she your wife as well? Good heavens, I remember when she was your master last time I saw her! A master turned wife; what sorcery did you use? I really envy your good fortune!”
Eldest Miss did not understand English, but seeing the foreigner fixated on her, she couldn't help pulling Lin San's arm and asked curiously, “What did he say?”
“Oh, he is praising us, saying we are a match made in heaven. He wishes us to have children soon,” Lin Wanrong replied.
Eldest Miss snorted softly, her face flushing with a mix of shyness and joy.
Once the tea was served, and after taking a few sips, Lin Wanrong sighed contentedly, “Brother Tavernier, what brings you to the capital this time?”
Tavernier spoke up loudly, “Mister Lin, I am here on a mission from His Majesty King Louis, to establish diplomatic relations and trade routes with Great Hua!”
‘Oh ho, the old boy has moved up in the world,’ thought Lin Wanrong, from a diamond peddler to a diplomatic envoy. ‘Missions from King Louis, huh? Probably just eyeing our silk, tea, and porcelain to make a profit.’
Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile, “Establishing diplomatic ties, opening trade routes? Good, very good! You must have met our Emperor by now, yes?”
Tavernier shook his head, disappointment evident, “Upon arriving in your country, the lack of translators, people who understood my language, was a real issue! I visited your local municipalities, but they all shirked responsibility, none daring to introduce me to the Emperor!”
‘So, you’ve come to me for help,’ Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. ‘Who would dare take such a matter into their own hands without proper authority? Not understanding the ways of Great Hua and then who can you blame?’
Seeing Lin Wanrong deep in thought, Tavernier pressed on urgently, “Mister Lin, I’ve made my inquiries this time. I heard you married the Emperor's princess and have fathered twin sons. The Emperor trusts you immensely. This matter pertains to the diplomatic relations between our nations; please, you must help me gain an audience with your Emperor!”
France and Great Hua, separated by vast distances, are using the guise of diplomacy to traffic more tea, silk, and daily necessities to turn a profit in Europe.
Lin Wanrong frowned, feigning difficulty, “This is—”
Seeing Lin San’s frown, Tavernier became anxious, hurriedly retrieving a wooden box from his side and presenting it to him, “Mister Lin, look!”
Upon opening the box, the room was instantly bathed in brilliant light, dazzling everyone's eyes. Inside were dozens of emerald diamonds, each one sparkling, full and tempting.
These were not the flawed goods once found on Tavernier but the largest, purest, and brightest South African diamonds, rarities of the world. Lin Wanrong, having lived two lives, had never seen such large diamonds. He could not help but reach out, his eyes wide, caressing the exquisite gems, his hands trembling with excitement.
The largest and brightest one, he reserved for little sister Yueya'er. The one next to it, just as large and bright, for Qingxuan. This one for the Fairy, this for Sister An, Qiaoqiao, Xian'er, Ning'er... He counted and allocated, drooling over them, and in the blink of an eye, he had distributed all the diamonds in his mind.
“Mister Lin, Mister Lin—” Tavernier's few gentle calls woke him from his reverie.
Lin Wanrong's heart itched like a cat's scratch, yet he resisted the temptation and pushed the box back into the Frenchman's hands with dignity. "Brother Tavernier, what is the meaning of showing me these? These diamonds, the French may treasure, but in our Great Hua, they do not fetch a good price. You saw as much last time!"
Tavernier was inwardly frantic at Lin San's integrity. He hastily thrust the box into his embrace, "They may not sell for a good price, but this is a gift from His Majesty King Louis, beyond mere monetary value!"
"One should not casually accept gifts for no reason. Let it stay here for now," Mister Lin stated, with an air of being unmoved, as he set the small box on the table and smiled silently.
The Frenchman was truly in a hurry. Tavernier gritted his teeth, glanced around, and in a low voice, so as not to be overheard by the ladies, said, "Mister Lin, do you remember what you told me last time? In addition to the diamonds, His Majesty King Louis has specifically sent two of France's most beautiful virgins for you! They bathe in milk daily, tsk tsk, their skin as smooth as the silk from your Great Hua! One of them is even the Queen's sister, whom not even His Majesty King Louis dares to touch!"
Lin Wanrong sneered at this old lecher's attempt at beauty enticement, though his heart uncontrollably thumped. "Brother Tavernier, do not do this; I am a very upright man! Oh, but is the Queen's sister beautiful?"
"Legend has it that His Majesty King Louis, upon seeing her, regretted that the Queen was appointed too soon. What does that tell you about her beauty?" Tavernier said with a mysterious smile, patting the small pouch in his hand. "I have acquired a mansion here in the capital; those two virgins are there waiting for you! Here are the keys and the deed, all in your name. The beauties and the property are yours, and no concern of ours."
He placed the keys and the diamond box together, looking at Lin Wanrong eagerly, awaiting a response.
Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly and shook his head. "Brother Tavernier, given our friendship, this bribery and gift-giving truly belittles me! It's not that I won't help, but our Emperor is wise and sagacious, far surpassing me. Whatever you and His Majesty King Louis are thinking, even I can see through, let alone His Majesty. You want to trade with us, to sell our cheapest goods in Europe for a large profit, right?"
The Frenchman muttered incoherently, too embarrassed to speak.
"I do have a say before His Majesty, and trade is not out of the question! But you can't make all the profit, can you? That's the hard-earned sweat of the Great Hua people; if you make a hundred times profit in a flip, naturally, we feel imbalanced! Thus, we shall levy a foreign trade tariff on your purchasing ships, to subsidize our people!"
"Tariff? How much?!" Tavernier stood up in alarm.
"That depends on your costs and profit margins, the specific amount to be agreed upon by both parties," Lin Wanrong said with a mischievous laugh, patting his shoulder. "Rest assured, our principle is mutual benefit. We will not shortchange the people of Great Hua, and of course, we won't let you and His Majesty King Louis suffer losses. Otherwise, who would do business with us? Haha!"
Tavernier had an epiphany: if France wished to conduct business with Great Hua, it was imperative to reciprocate a portion of the excessive profits made from the resale of Great Hua's goods back to Great Hua. There was still gold to be made, just not the exorbitant amounts of the past. The astute Great Hua had clearly recognized the opportunity at hand.
After a moment's reflection, Tavernier managed a resigned nod and a rueful smile, "Mister Lin, with you representing your country, it surely won't suffer losses! As you say, with Great Hua's products and French trade caravans, this is a mutually beneficial trade. We can accept the tariffs, but you can't let us incur losses; otherwise, no one would want to do business with you."
"Of course!" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. "We'll certainly let you profit, that's what will keep you and His Majesty King Louis incentivized!"
"Now, may you introduce me to His Imperial Majesty?" Tavernier eagerly inquired.
"Oh, certainly, but I've recently taken an interest in European culture! I'm thinking of sending a few people over to France to inspect and study precision mechanics, maybe around thirty people every year, with a return after three to five years. Would your side be able to arrange for their reception?"
"That wouldn't be a problem; my family operates shipyards and mechanical workshops. But the costs—"
"I'll cover the expenses. Oh, and they'll surely visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, bringing tourism revenue to France in passing."
At that moment, Tavernier saw only the exquisite porcelain and silk from Great Hua, oblivious to what Great Hua lacked. Hearing Lin San's willingness to fund his people's stay abroad, he gladly accepted.
"By the way, Brother Tavernier, you've brought four large ships, are they all ironclad? Do they have cannons, muskets, or the like? I'm thinking of going out to sea for some recreation in a few days, and might even make a trip to Goryeo. I just don't have a suitable ship at hand and would like to buy one from you."
Tavernier had seen his fair share of hagglers, but never one so brazen! For the sake of mutually beneficial trade and gold, he clenched his teeth, "Mister Lin, why talk of buying? I'll gift you one; these ships are the latest from France, each equipped with four cannons and ten muskets, all for protection against pirates."
Lin Wanrong, feigning shyness, said, "Brother Tavernier, how could I accept such a generous offer? I should pay, lest I be accused of corruption! Would ten taels of silver suffice for a fully equipped ship? I'll take the smallest one. My funds are rather tight lately; otherwise, I would have offered five more taels for your flagship."
Tavernier was steaming with indignation. Fifteen taels for my flagship? That wouldn't even cover the cost of the ship's wheel! What else could he say? If all Great Hua people were like this, who would dare do business with them?
For the sake of trade, Tavernier quickly accepted the ten taels, "Mister Lin, my flagship is yours for ten taels! But when will you introduce me to His Imperial Majesty of your nation?"
Trade is inherently reciprocal. Utilizing French caravans to sell Great Hua's goods meant allowing them to make a profit, just by rightly managing the tariffs. Westerners would gain modestly, and Great Hua's people could earn substantially. Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile, "It should be in the next few days, don't you trust my integrity?"
‘I've seen what kind of person you are!’ Tavernier felt a pang of sorrow as he glanced at the diamonds, the beauties, and the real estate laid out next to Mister Lin. Despite feeling somewhat reluctant, how could he take back the gifts once given? The most beautiful virgin and the largest diamond — it really was a shame that Mister Lin, the ungrateful wretch, got them for nothing.
After sending Tavernier away, Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, embracing his son Zhao Zheng in his arms and giving him several fervent kisses: "Oh my son, my son. Your father has really bled himself dry for you. All of it just so you won't fall behind the Westerners in the future! Remember this, when you do business with them, you must be ruthless! Don't sell our best goods to them on the cheap. And definitely don't end up counting money for them! If it ever comes to that, I'd rather die than acknowledge you as my son!"
"Brother San, Brother San. Madam Princess is calling for you!" Little maid Huan'er hurriedly entered and reported to him with urgency.
Ever since the two Miss Xiaos had been betrothed to Brother San, the maids and servants of the Xiao family had been integrated with the Lin household. Si De, Xiao Feng, Huan'er—these were the servants he was accustomed to directing. To replace them with others would truly feel strange.
"Alright, I'm on my way," Brother San replied with a smile, handing his son to the young maid's arms.
Huan'er took the boy, but before she could secure him in her hold, she let out a startled cry. Her face turned crimson in an instant. It turned out that Zhao Zheng, in his hunger, had mistaken the maid for his wet nurse and had attempted to bite.
"My son is no simple character, indeed!" His father watched with great amusement and quickly said, "Zheng'er, this auntie doesn't have milk, let's go inside to find your mother!"
"Brother San!" Huan'er, flustered and embarrassed, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade, shot him a quick glance and dashed away like a startled fawn.
This girl was too sensitive to jests, he thought, chuckling to himself as he tucked the deed to the real estate and the diamond box into his robe and carried his son into the embroidered tower.
Inside Qingxuan's room, all the women had gathered. Lin Xuan lay contentedly in his mother's embrace, noisily sucking at her breast. Zhao Zheng, already hungry, burst into loud cries upon seeing his brother eating so joyfully. Ning'er hurried to soothe him, nestling him into Qingxuan's arms.
Lin Wanrong watched his two sons snuggled against their mother, one on each side, blissfully feeding. He smacked his lips, feeling both delighted and annoyed, and huffed, "Well now, there seems to be no place left for me!"
His words instantly filled the chamber with laughter. Qingxuan's cheeks flushed with shyness, but she had no way to deal with her husband; she could only give him a few tender but reproachful looks, her eyes soft as water. "Look at you, playing the father!"
Lin Wanrong glanced around and noticed an additional person in the room today, sitting quietly with her head bowed low by Xiao Qingxuan's bed, her cheeks suffused with a rosy hue.
He blinked in surprise and exclaimed, "Miss Xu, you've come too?!"
Xu Zhiqing murmured a reply, not daring to lift her head. Qingxuan said with a laugh, "Sister Xu came especially to see me today. You mustn't be harsh with her!"
Harsh with her? Lin Wanrong widened his eyes in disbelief. What had Miss Xu said to Qingxuan, and when had he ever been harsh with her?
Given Xu Zhiqing's proud temperament, her taking the initiative to visit Qingxuan was an unexpected surprise. He quickly scrutinized Miss Xu, who stole a glance at him before shyly lowering her gaze again.
Qingxuan, stroking the hair of the two sons in her lap, smiled and said, "My Dear, I hear you've asked Sister Yuruo to make some clothes, but just how many outfits do you intend to have made?"
He stuttered, lost for words, unsure of how to respond.
Qingxuan sighed softly and said, "Husband, just how many things are there that you haven't told me? Do you intend to keep them secret from me for a lifetime?"
